Denver Public Schools is committed to continuing the conversation with community members as we move forward in the best interest of students and families around Reimagining the Montbello campus. We know that there has been a delay in this effort and that this pause has caused some angst in the community. We have been processing the information that we’ve heard from community thus far. We apologize for this delay.
We have listened, and we hear the voices in the Far Northeast Denver community of those who desire a comprehensive high school option, inclusive of an athletic program, arts, advanced classes, etc. We’ve also heard the challenges that sometimes arise when middle and high schools are combined. We are working to get a better understanding of the community’s definition of a “comprehensive” program, as well as other concerns that should inform decisions. We are exploring middle school options that will ensure all students in Far Northeast Denver have the best educational options.
Please know that no decisions have been made. We will continue community engagement, while doing our best to engage with the people who we are yet to hear from. In a continued effort for transparency, we plan to meet with community to share timelines, learn together what the pros and cons are of possible scenarios for the campus, and to vet options and implications. We will continue to engage school leaders, current students, prospective students, community members, parents, etc. through various methods including:
- Polling (At a previous meeting we heard Community members recommend that DPS do some polling to get more community voice on whether new construction should happen. We are working with the community to identify how polling should happen and will co-create polling questions.)
- Qualitative Research
- Student Voice surveys (We have student voice in the form of surveys and can share what we’ve heard at a future meeting.)
- Community Meetings
- Email correspondence to parents and community
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to do this important work.